Famed Ukrainian Nationals soccer team back in spotlight of U.S. Open Cup, Philadelphia Unity Cup
One of the grand old names of Philadelphia soccer is back in the spotlight this month.
The Ukrainian Nationals, who won four U.S. Open Cups in the 1960s, have entered the tournament for the first time since 2015. On Sept. 23, they will play in the first qualifying round for next year’s main field.
Also, this coming Sunday, a group of Nationals players will suit up as the Ukraine team in the Philadelphia Unity Cup round of 16. That team will face No. 1 seed Brazil at 1 p.m. at the James Ramp Playground, 3300-40 Solly Ave., near Pennypack Park.
When the club won those Open Cups, it was a professional outfit. These days, it runs amateur teams, with a fleet of youth squads in U.S. Soccer’s elite Development Academy. There are also two adult teams. They all play at the Tryzub Ukrainian American Sports Center in North Wales.